On Tuesday, strike action along with hundreds of thousands of Catalans
taking to the streets in Barcelona, protesting against police state viciousness
last Sunday made headlines.

Normal activity in the city ground to a halt, people chanting
“Independence!” and “The streets will be ours!” Thousands gathered
outside PM Mariano Rajoy’s People’s Party Barcelona office.

Supportive firemen played bagpipes, crowds cheering them on. A huge
banner was displayed saying “Catalonia is NOT Spain” in English.

Dozens of roads were blocked, local transportation affected
including ports. Many businesses closed for the day. So were schools
and tourist areas. Medical centers operated at minimal levels.

Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said “I am convinced this strike
will be widely followed.” Rajoy greatly misjudged the spirit of
Catalan residents.

State-sponsored violence inspired greater numbers to support
independence, a prize they intend to get, supported by Puigdemont
saying Catalans “won the right to be an independent state,” enough
Catalan legislators likely supporting it.

Independence will likely be declared later this week, possibly
Friday, or early next week. Puigdemont warned Madrid not to
interfere.

So far, no negotiations with Rajoy’s regime have been held. He wants
Catalans subservient to his will, their self-determination rights
denied.

Late Monday, Catalan hotels evicted around 500 national police
officers and civil guards. Demonstrators outside the facilities
shouted “Out with the occupying forces!”

The civil guard’s union (AUGC) confirmed the eviction of 250 of its
officers from a hotel near Barcelona. Local newspapers said evicted
national police and civil guards were forced to find new
accommodations.

Independent Catalonia may be established in days, what happens next
a big unknown.